inflammation

Sciatica is a symptom. It is the name given to pain that is caused by the sciatic nerve. The pain can vary from a mild tingling, a dull ache, a burning sensation, or it can be an EXCRUCIATING, SHOOTING pain that makes standing or sitting almost impossible.

Sciatica occurs when there is pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve; or it might be the symptom of a pinched nerve. Sciatica usually affects one side of the body.

Sciatica usually affects one side of the body. Source: WebMD A Visual Guide to Sciatica http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/ss/slideshow-visual-guide-to-sciatica

The pain from sciatica radiates from the buttock down the back of the leg and can be felt in a number of different locations such as the knee, sole of the foot and the toe.

Can Sciatica Be Prevented?

Practicing proper lifting techniques is important. Lift with your back straight, bringing yourself up with your hips and legs, and holding the object close to your chest.

Avoid sitting for long periods or lying with pressure on the buttocks

Avoid long driving hours in the car. Take frequent stretching breaks during road trips.

Use good posture when sitting, standing, and sleeping.

Exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles of your back and abdomen.

A good exercise routine including stretching exercises to improve flexibility of tight muscles is important.

Sleeping with a knee pillow between your knees can help keep your hips in alignment and relieve sciatica.

Can Massage and Bodywork Help?

Absolutely!

Massage relieves the muscle spasms caused by the pain from the pinched nerve.

Massage helps reduce inflammation and swelling.

Massage can assist to realign the pelvis thus helping to reduce and eliminate tension in the affected area.

Massage may eventually help the client heal from the sciatica symptoms. Pressure and techniques will vary from person to person. Several sessions might be required to relieve the symptoms of sciatica. Sciatica pain usually goes away with time and rest.

I have treated many clients for sciatic symptoms with massage and bodywork therapy. Don’t live with the pain, give me a call so that I can help you! 616-456-5033

The term “massage therapy” includes many techniques and the type of massage given usually depends on the person’s needs and physical condition. The many techniques that I use in my sessions vary from person to person. I could use just one technique for the whole session or I could use more than one in the same session. It depends on what is going on in the client’s body when they come in. (See my web page on massage and the different techniques I use.)

I work on muscles, soft tissue, tendons, ligaments, joints, and pressure points. I also might work on the nervous system, the lymphatic system, the fascial system, the cranial-sacral system and other body systems depending on the need of the individual at the time. In all forms of massage, I work with my hands, forearms and elbows to manipulate the body’s soft tissue. Massage strokes can vary from light to firm and deep depending on what the client needs and desires.

The benefits of having a massage are numerous.

Most people are stressed these days. Stress can cause serious consequences in people’s lives. Taking care of one’s self is very important. One of the ways to de-stress and relax is by having a full body, relaxation massage. The massage calms the person and puts harmony and balance back into the body.

Massage is wonderful for people who need better range of motion and flexibility in their muscles. By using certain techniques in the massage session, range of motion can be restored.

People will benefit from a massage if they have upper or lower back pain, arthritis, tendonitis, headaches and migraines, muscle spasms, strains, circulatory and respiratory problems, post-injury and post- surgical rehabilitation. The list goes on and on for ailments people might be experiencing in their bodies.

Massage has many healing benefits. It will increase circulation by bringing oxygen and nutrients to the body. It will soothe anxiety and depression. Massage enhances the immune system and gets down to the cellular level in the body.

As you can see, massage is wonderful and has many wonderful benefits, as well. If you want to feel healthy, be healthy, and look healthy, then try massage. You will be glad you had the experience!!! I guarantee it!!

To receive some wonderful healing benefits, schedule a massage with Mary, just call me at 616-456-5033 or email me at mary@harmonynhealth.net.

The ionic foot bath is another way to detox the body. The ionic foot bath is an external detoxification method which removes toxins from the body through the feet. Each treatment takes about 45-60 minutes. The benefits are numerous (over 76). The immediate benefits include an increase in energy and overall well-being, a healthier disposition, a better state of mind, weight loss, increased metabolism. Also, one could get relief from candida (a yeast overgrowth), stress related conditions, skin problems (eczema, psoriasis), muscle injuries, joint problems, blood circulation, acid reflux, back pain, gout conditions, headaches, etc. The list of benefits goes on and on. The individual who detoxes in this way will be able to see the results in 45-60 minutes as the water will change color. An explanation of the color changes will be given to the person during the session. There are numerous advantages to doing a cleanse this way.

For more information on how this technique works as a detoxification procedure or to set up an appointment, contact Mary by phone at 616-456-5033 or email me at mary@harmonynhealth.net

The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to our body’s ability to detoxify and regenerate tissues. The lymph system filters out toxins and foreign substances and maintains a healthy immune system. It is a complex system composed primarily of lymph vessels and nodes. When the lymph circulation stagnates, fluids, proteins, cells and toxins accumulate and cellular functioning is significantly compromised. This opens the way to many physical ailments.

There is a wonderful technique that is designed to activate and cleanse the human fluid system. It is called the lymph drainage (pronounced-drahnahge) technique. This technique works with the flat of my hands, using all my fingers in a mild pumping movement making wave-like movements to activate fluid circulation and stimulate the lymphatic flow.

A second step to good health is the foods that are eaten. We Americans eat way too much food. Often, our food includes processed meat, fast food, and highly-processed food. We like our sweets. We skip meals because we are in a hurry. We forget to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day. The food is high in fat, sugar and calories. This kind of food causes blockages in our arteries, heart, liver, lungs, brain and colon. Eating this way also causes inflammation and disease. Our bodies become “off balance. We start to feel sick. We begin to feel sluggish and tired, we get constipated, feel bloated and gassy.

The foods we should really eat are greens, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, herbs, organic juices and healthy meats. When we eat this way, we will be promoting our good health and have a disease-free body.